Freelander 1 TD4 2003 number plate fixing?

chris1959 · Aug 15, 2022

Hi This is a pretty trivial question but does anyone know how the front number plate is held on?
I want to replace the number plates as they are faded and stained. I am assuming the rear one is just glued on and will need to be carefully prised off. The front one is held on by two screws but they are rusty and I am afraid to drill them out without knowing what they are screwed into. The back of the front bumper is not easily accessible so I can't tell if the number plate is held on with screws and nuts or do the screws go into tapped holes.
Any help or information would be great.
Thanks
Chris

Nodge68 · Aug 15, 2022

The rear could be glued or stuck on with double sided tape if no screws are evident.
My front was screwed on, but all dealers used screws, some use adhesives.
Normally self tapping screws are used, as there's no access to rear of the bumper, unless it's removed.

chris1959 · Aug 15, 2022

they are definitely screwed on but do you remember if they were machine screws into a tapped hole or just self tappers. The heads of mine are very rusted and there is no option but to drill them out. I suppose if I can use double sided tape or even pop rivets to put the new one on?

Dippypud · Aug 15, 2022

Nodge68 said:
They could be glued or stuck on with double sided tape if no screws are evident.
Mine were screwed on, but all dealers used screws.

Some of those fitted with double sided taped are anti theft ones ... just saying ...

https://www.carreg.co.uk/carreg-news/anti-theft-number-plates/

Dippypud · Aug 15, 2022

chris1959 said:
they are definitely screwed on but do you remember if they were machine screws into a tapped hole or just self tappers. The heads of mine are very rusted and there is no option but to drill them out. I suppose if I can use double sided tape or even pop rivets to put the new one on?

chris1959 · Aug 15, 2022

Thansk for your reply, I hwasn't aware of these kits. I don't know how long they have been around for but I know the existing number plate hasn't moved since 2007. If it wasn't an anti theft then it certainly is now (due to rust)

chris1959 · Aug 15, 2022

For some reason I didn't see all of Nodge68's reply but now that I have I think he has covered the possibilities pretty well. I am going to go ahead and drill out the offending screws as there is no chance of unscrewing them. Thanks to all who replied

Andy Warren · Aug 15, 2022

I'm not sure on the 03 pre face lift models but the 04 f/l have the alloy 'bumper' right behind the no. plate,see pic. You would have to use short self tappers or drill into the alloy bumper or use some well nuts (the rubber top hat shaped things with 5 or 6mm brass insert that crushes up when tightened).

Freelander 1 TD4 2003 number plate fixing?

chris1959

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Nodge68

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chris1959

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Dippypud

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chris1959

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Andy Warren

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